He was born the oldest of nine children, on Aug. 6, 1935, in Boyne City, and after graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served our country for twenty years. He married Mary Modena McCullough of Brownwood, Tex., and was married for twenty years and had two children.

After the Air Force, Robert returned to the family farm in Boyne Falls, Mich. He worked the farm for many years and worked at Boyne Mountain as a chairlift operator. Later in years, Robert started going south for the winters and enjoyed his stays in Texas and Arizona. He loved to hike, bicycle, fish, and enjoyed the outdoor life on the farm. He was also very fond of polka music and liked going to Polish festivals around the state. In 2005, he developed an illness of dementia and went to live with his daughter and family in Lebanon, Miss. On Jan. 13, Robert suffered a very severe intracerebral bleed and stroke that led to his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Francis Florenski, of Boyne Falls, Mich.

Robert is survived by his two children, Karen Mary Phipps, and her husband, Danny, of Stoutland, Miss., and Robert Steven Florenski, of Springfield, Miss.; three grandchildren, Brock Chaffin, Brett Chaffin, and Daniel Florenski; four brothers, Ralph Florenski, of Indian River, Ron Florenski, of Alba, Richard Florenski, of Gaylord, and Rudy Florenski, of Boyne City; four sisters, Patty Jarema, of Boyne Falls, Bonnie Sparks, of Elmira, Mary Florenski, and Susan Florenski, both of Boyne City; a number of nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at the Boyne Falls Cemetery later this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial to the Boyne Falls Cemetery, and contributions may be mailed to P.O. Box 191, Boyne Falls, Mich. 49713.

Robert's family and friends will miss him greatly.